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Ski resorts across Europe and the US have welcomed the first major snowfall of the year, as ABTA launched a campaign to encourage skiers to get appropriate travel insurance for their trips.

Austrian and Swiss resorts have this week been transformed from deserted green hillsides to the usual snowy white slopes, and Italy, France and Andorra also experienced significant snowfall. Sweden and Norway also welcomed the snow, but have had far less than would be expected at this time of the year.

US and Canadian resorts also received some snowfall, but resorts in Germany and Bulgaria have yet to open their slopes for the season. More snow is expected over the next few days, with some French resorts hoping for up to 40cm to fall. Ski travel agents have reported a significant boost in business since the news of the snow has filtered through to customers.

“This is the massive snowfall that everyone has been waiting for, and our phone lines have been hotting up as news gets out,” commented Craig Burton, managing director at Ski Solutions. The Ski Club of Great Britain also commented on the weather updates on its website, describing the snow as “great news”.

ABTA has just launched a campaign to promote specific travel insurance for skiers, as well as to suggest exercises and health and safety tips to minimise risks. The ‘Get Fit for Ski’ campaign was launched after research found that only 41 per cent of skiers check that their insurance covers skiing activities before hitting the slopes.